Ascidian

Clavelina moluccensis (Sluiter, 1904)

Taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Sources: Gowlett-Holmes, K. (2008) A field guide to the marine invertebrates of South Australia. Notomares, Australia.Edgar, G. J. (2008) Australian marine life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. New Holland Publishers, Australia.

Taxonomy

Phylum:

Chordata

Subphylum:

Tunicata

Class:

Ascidiacea

Order:

Aplousobranchia

Family:

Clavelinidae

Genus:

Clavelina

Species:

moluccensis

General Description

Colony of zooids joined only at the base. There are 3 dark blue spots in a row between the two openings (siphons). Near transparent pale blue with circular muscle bands visible. Zooids to 6 cm long.

Biology

These filter-feeding animals are a colourful member of reefs and rock walls in Victorian waters.